Managing opioid disorder (OUD) takes strength, courage, and support. If you’re in recovery, you’ve already taken an incredible step. But did you know quitting smoking or vaping could make your recovery even stronger?
Over three-quarters (¾) of people in OUD treatment are cigarette smokers. Quitting smoking or vaping during addiction treatment can have a big impact on how successful your recovery will be. Research shows that people who quit tobacco or nicotine during treatment are 25% more likely to stay in recovery from alcohol and drugs long-term. On the flip side, continuing to smoke while in recovery can make you more likely to use again. Some people in recovery find that smoking helps them stay sober. Continuing to smoke, in that case, is a form of harm reduction.
So if you’ve been thinking about quitting cigarettes or vapes, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to do it alone either.
Why quitting smoking makes recovery stronger
Quitting nicotine products like cigarettes or vapes isn’t just about protecting your lungs. It’s also about protecting your recovery. Here’s why:
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Nicotine strengthens addiction pathways in the brain
Nicotine acts like a reinforcer. It makes the brain more likely to learn and repeat the use of other substances. That means nicotine doesn’t just cause its own addiction; it can also make it easier for your brain to get hooked on other substances, including opioids.
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Smoking is linked to a higher risk of using again
Research has shown that people who continue to smoke during their recovery from a substance use disorder are more likely to return to drug or alcohol use than those who quit.
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People in recovery want to quit
Adults in OUD treatment and recovery may be more interested in quitting smoking and feel motivated to do so. However, they don’t always get the support they need. Because of this gap, some people beat opioid addiction, only to face serious illness or even death from smoking-related diseases later on.
At Groups, we’ve seen this firsthand. Our own data shows that over 50% of our members who smoke want to quit. That’s why we’re making it a priority to help.
Benefits of quitting smoking or vaping
Quitting nicotine can feel tough, especially when you’re already focusing on opioid recovery. The benefits are real, and they can show up fast.
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You’ll have a better chance of staying sober
Quitting nicotine increases your chances of staying off other substances by 25%. That’s because you’re removing one more addictive trigger that could pull you back.
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Your mental health may improve
Nicotine can affect your mood and anxiety levels. Many people report feeling less anxious and more emotionally stable after they quit.
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You’ll breathe easier and feel more energetic
Your lungs start to heal within days of quitting. You may notice you cough less, breathe better, and even have more energy to do the things you enjoy.
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You’ll save a lot of money
Smoking or vaping every day adds up. Quitting means more money in your pocket for things like groceries, hobbies, transportation, or even fun treats for yourself.
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You’ll reduce your risk of serious illness
Smoking is one of the leading causes of diseases like heart disease, cancer, or stroke. No matter how long you’ve smoked, quitting helps lower your risk.
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You’ll be building full-body wellness
Recovery is about healing your whole self, not just quitting opioids. Quitting nicotine is another way to honor your health, your body, and your future.
10 helpful resources for quitting nicotine
While quitting smoking and managing opioid use disorder can be challenging, several resources can provide support:
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1-800-QUIT-NOW
A free national quitline that connects you to trained quit coaches in your state. It’s tailored, confidential, and just a phone call away. These trained quit coaches can:
- Help you build a quit plan
- Offer support through phone calls or texts
- Send free nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges in many states
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National Cancer Institute
This federal site includes special tools just for people in recovery, plus 24/7 support through your phone, for example:
- Quit plans for people with opioid use disorder
- Free quit-smoking apps
- Text support programs, like SmokeFreeTXT
- Live chat and online groups
- Strategies for managing cravings and stress
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Your Groups provider
Trying to quit smoking can be built into your current care, with support from people you already trust. Groups providers can:
- Prescribe FDA-approved medications like bupropion or varenicline
- Recommend nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges
- Create a personal quit plan during treatment
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State quitlines
These lines are local, familiar with your area’s resources, and may include in-person help. They offer services such as:
- Free counseling
- Support for people in recovery
- Access to nicotine replacement products
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Quit-smoking apps
These apps offer on-the-go support and help track your progress. The following are some great options:
- QuitGuide
- Smoke Free
- QuitNow!
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Peer and group support
Talking about your quit journey in your regular group session or with peers can:
- Keep you motivated
- Give you ideas from others who have quit
- Offer emotional support and encouragement
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Community health centers
Many health centers or local clinics offer free or sliding-scale tobacco cessation programs based on what you can afford, especially for people in recovery or low-income households. These programs may offer:
- One-on-one coaching
- Nicotine replacement access
- Strategies for coping with cravings
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The American Lung Association
This group has different programs and ways to help people stop smoking and vaping, like:
- Freedom from Smoking®
- Lung helpline
- Online groups
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC’s website has a lot of information about why smoking and vaping are bad for your health and why quitting is so good for you. Knowing the facts can give you a strong reason to quit.
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SAMHSA’s national helpline
SAMHSA is a government group that helps people with mental health and substance use issues. They have a private and free helpline that’s open 24/7, in both English and Spanish. You can call them at 1-800-662-4357
How Groups is helping members quit smoking and vaping
At Groups, we believe that everyone deserves access to tools and support to help them feel better, inside and out. That’s why we’ve spent the past 6 months investing in new ways to make quitting tobacco and nicotine more accessible for every member who wants help. Support for cutting back on smoking is now integrated into our opioid treatment program.
We’ve upgraded our electronic health records, trained our providers, counselors, and peers, and created resources to help guide you every step of the way. Here’s what we now offer:
- Providers are trained to prescribe the best medications to help reduce cravings and manage withdrawal.
- Counselors and peer support staff are trained in best practices for tobacco treatment and motivational support.
- Referrals to state quit lines and local resources so you can get even more help beyond your group meetings.
- Encouragement and guidance at every stage, whether you’re just thinking about quitting or ready to make a plan.
What should I do if I want to quit?
If you’re thinking about quitting, or even just cutting back, you’re already on the right track. You don’t have to do it alone. The next step is simple: bring it up at your next group meeting or one-on-one with your Recovery Support Specialist. Just say, “I’m thinking about quitting smoking,” or “Can you help me make a quit plan?” That’s all it takes to get the conversation going.
Our team is ready to:
- Talk with you about how nicotine affects your body and your recovery
- Help you make a quit plan that works for your lifestyle
- Prescribe medications if you choose to use them
- Connect you with resources, including quit lines and counseling
- Support and cheer you on, every step of the way
Remember, it’s your recovery. We’re just here to help make it a little easier.
Not ready yet? That’s OK.
Quitting smoking is a big step, and the truth is, not everyone feels ready right away. That’s totally OK.
You don’t have to be all in. Even small steps like cutting down or learning about your options are worth celebrating. And when or if you become ready, your Groups team will be here to support you.
Invest in your future and strengthen your recovery with Groups
At Groups, we believe that quitting smoking and vaping is an incredibly positive step you can take to boost your recovery and improve your overall health. We’re here to walk alongside you, providing the tools and support you need to breathe easier and recover stronger.
Want help quitting? Ask your Groups provider to give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
